One only need turn on the TV, stroll the aisles of a toy store, or visit any American elementary school to witness the formidable social trends that, over the past few decades, have begun to erode the quality of kids’ livesfrom media violence and rampant consumerism, to overly structured school days and overly wired (yet emotionally disconnected) relationships. Childhood should be a precious time of oasis from the realities of the adult world, yet in today’s fast-paced, achievement-obsessed, consumer-driven society, this is increasingly not the case.

Based on early childhood development expert Dr. Nancy Carlsson-Paige’s thirty years of researching and writing about young children, this groundbreaking book helps parents navigate the social currents shaping, and too often harming, the lives of kids todayand restore childhood to the very best of what it can and should be.

There are three attributes critical to all children’s healthy development, Carlsson-Paige explains: time and space for creative play, a feeling of security in today’s often frightening world, and strong, meaningful relationships with both adults and other childrenattributes that we, as a society, are failing to protect and nurture. Grounded in child development theory and research, TAKING BACK CHILDHOOD reveals practical, hands-on steps parents can take to create a safe, open, and imaginative environment in which kids can relish childhood and flourish as human beings.

"If you are like most parents, you're worried about the new realities of childhood--violence, sexualization, the speed-up of daily life, materialism--topics which are not adequately covered in the classic parenting guides. How much TV? What to do when a child is disrespectful? What's causing the tantrums or excessive anxiety? Nancy Carlsson-Paige's brilliant new book shows parents how to navigate the treacherous waters of our culture, and our children's reactions to it. Based on decades of research, teaching, and practice in the philosophy of child-development, she returns us to the basic needs of creativity, security, and connection. As you read it, I suspect it will not only profoundly affect how you parent, but also how you live your own life. Taking Back Childhood deserves to take its place among the classics, read and re-read by parents everywhere."
 Juliet B. Schor, author of Born to Buy, and professor of sociology at Boston College

"Dr. Carlsson-Paige is dedicated to the well-being of children. In Taking Back Childhood, she provides real-life examples for preserving children’s creative play and relationships from the unhealthy onslaught of media and technological distractions. I highly recommend it." Dr. Alvin Poussaint, Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School and Judge Baker Children’s Center